Study in UK

Cyril Zachariah
Updated on Dec 21, 2022 11:48 AM IST

  • 2108

    Courses Offered in United Kingdom
  • 20%

    International Students
  • GBP 10000

    Average Cost Of Study

Overview

From academic excellence, graduate employment to cross-cultural learning, the United Kingdom is considered among the best study destinations across the world. According to HESA statistics, a total of 485,645 international students were studying in higher education institutions in the UK in 2018/19, up from 458,490 in 2017/18. After China, India has been the second top country of origin with over 26,000 enrollments.

Indian Student Enrolment in UKThe Global University Employability Ranking 2019, a total of 16 UK universities have been featured of which five are based out of London and the remaining are spread across the country.

The country has over 390 universities and colleges, offering 50,000+ programmes in a vast array of subject areas, of which the most sought-after fields include engineering and technology, law, medicine, social science and media and communication. The QS World University Rankings 2021 have also named 84 UK universities from the UK out of more than 1,000 universities from all around the globe. Also, among the 120 universities highlighted in the QS Best Student Cities 2019, 14 are from the UK with London at the #1 world ranking, followed by Edinburgh, Manchester, Glasgow and Coventry.

Moving to the UK promises an amazing student experience revolving around a rich diversity of languages, cultures and faiths. It also allows students to dive into its contemporary culture on world-famous events and holidays, apart from a stunning countryside, vibrant performing arts heritage, fashion and sport. Not to mention the huge variety of food that the country has to offer. 

In addition, the UK is the gateway to Europe wherein one can, any day, plan to fly direct to Pisa, Genoa, Rome, Venice and more. It also prides itself on its great transport network and one of the best healthcare systems in the world and low crime rates. Besides, the country is widely known for welcoming overseas students with open arms with the support of international student societies.

Also Read:

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Are You Planning to Study in the UK?

Why Study in the UK

The UK education system offers flexibility, allowing students to choose courses that suit their career aspirations and lifestyle. As lakhs of international students pursue higher education in the UK, you will get a chance to meet people from different nationalities, share their backgrounds and find out new perspectives. There are numerous benefits of pursuing higher studies in the UK. Some of them are –

Cost-Effective and World-Class Education: Academic excellence offered by UK universities has a long-standing reputation that can be traced back to the 11th century. Even today, there are over 160 universities and institutions in the country, of which 84 are featured in the 2021 QS World University Rankings. Degrees from these universities are valued across the world, which work best in the future, no matter which industry or location.

International students in the UK enjoy financial benefits and given that the duration of a UK degree is less compared to other countries, studying in the country in any way becomes affordable. Besides that, the country is well known for offering numerous scholarships, grants and bursaries to students from outside the UK.

Great Work Opportunities: International students in the UK are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time outside of term time. They may also do a work placement as part of their course or take up an internship which goes a long way in developing new skills, earning money while studying and preparing themselves for the professional world.

The UK government has recently announced a post-study visa or Graduate Route, allowing international students graduating from Summer 2021 to stay and work in the UK for the next two years.

A Welcoming Student Community: According to the QS Best Student Cities, 14 of UK cities are featured in the top 120, making it one of the top student destinations in the world. Whether it is Oxford or Edinburgh, each city in the UK guarantees a wholesome and vibrant student community.

Being the second most popular destination for international students, the UK is a multicultural country where university campuses value diversity and different food, traditions and cultures and interests. This further leads to unique and new student experiences almost every day.

Affordable Cost of Living: Although this is primarily dependent on the location and the area one will be shifting to, in general, the UK boasts decent living standards at affordable prices. Cities such as London, Brighton and Oxford could be a little pricey, but affordable cities such as Aberdeen, Newcastle and Manchester offer high quality of education and lifestyle.

Healthcare in the UK is usually free of charge for international students and they can also make the most of student discounts offered on travel, shopping and food to save money.

Gateway to Explore All of the UK: An international student, if chooses to study in the UK, may easily travel to other parts of the UK and explore its rich culture and history. From landscapes, inclusive culture, great food, festivals, sporting events, castles and palaces, students will be able to see more of the UK.

In London, each area has its own distinct character, which can be experienced in Camden, Little Venice, Brixton, Notting HIll, Shoreditch and more. Students may also venture out into the greenery of the British countryside, full of rich valleys, dramatic coastlines, gleaming lakes, and so on.

Courses to Study in the UK

UK universities are known to offer the best globally recognised degree programs.There are plenty of degreeoptions available for students fromacross the globe to study in theUK. The degree programs offered atUK universities are unique and it prepares students to solve real-world problems. It helps students to build critical thinking abilities and upgrade their skills to succeed ina career of their choice.

Students fromaround the world know the importance of higher education in the UK and many of them desire to pursue higher education from one of the best universities in the world located in the UK. It is a dream destination for many students as acquiring higher education from the UK helps students to broaden their vision and expand theircareer opportunities.

Degree options in the UK are available in a wide range from general to specialised courses at all levels of study. Some degree programmes are unique and career-driven and prepare students to join the workforce soon after the completion of their studies. It is up to the student to choose the right course and university in the UK to give a kickstart to their career. Here is the list of popular courses to study in the UK for international students:

Popular Courses in UK for International Students

Aviation

Agriculture & Forestry

Architecture

Applied & Pure Sciences

Business & Management

Creative Arts & Design

Commerce

Computer Science & IT

Engineering

Education & Training

Hospitality & Leisure

Humanities and Liberal Arts

Health & Medicine

Journalism & Media

Law

Language

Social Sciences

-

Education System in the UK

Education system in the UK can be categorised into primary education, secondary education, university preparation, further education and higher education. Primary and secondary education in the UK is legally attended by students from 5 years of age until 16 years of age. This can further be divided into based on age groups or five “key stages”, according to the National Curriculum introduced by the UK in 1988:

  • Key Stage 1: Foundation year and years 1 and 2: for those aged between 5 and 7 years old

  • Key Stage 2: Years 3 to 6: for those aged between 8 and 11 years old

  • Key Stage 3: Years 7 to 9: for those aged between 12 and 14 years old

  • Key Stage 4: Years 10 to 11: for those aged between 15 and 16 years old

  • Key Stage 5: Years 12 to 13: for those aged between 17 and 18 years old

Primary Education

Some primary schools can be divided into infant and junior levels, which start from the age of five and continue until the age of 11. While the infant level is for those aged between 5 and , the junior level is for children between the ages of 7 and 11.

Secondary Education

Secondary education includes the key stage 3 - years 7 and 9, for those aged between 15 and 16 years old and also the key stage 4 - years 10 and 11, for those aged between 15 and 16 years old. The UK school system, here, requires students to study subjects such as Math, English, Science, Humanity and a Modern Language along with optional subjects like Art, Music, a Regional Language, Physical Education, Computer Science, Design Technology.

The key stage 3 can be further divided into junior and senior school- the former from year 7 to year 8 and the latter from year 8 to year 9. Year 9 is considered quite important under the British school system given that most students here make the transition from junior to senior school.

In the last two years of secondary education in the UK, students prepare for the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examinations which are taken after two years. Here, students study compulsory subjects such as English, Math, 2/3 Sciences, History/Geography, Modern Language etc along with other 9 and 12 subjects.

University Preparation

In the UK education system, after secondary education, students can start a two-year program which leads to Advanced level examinations. University preparation falls under years 12 and 13, when students specialise in three to four subjects relevant to the subject they wish to study at university level.

Those who would want to study over three to four subjects can continue into more subjects with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme offered by independent schools.

Further Education

This is nothing but vocational education after completion of secondary education from the age of 16. A college of further education or state sixth form college in the UK works as an alternative to private education. They provide GCSE and A level courses along with foundation and diploma courses. These can further be extended to BTEC courses designed specifically for development of practical skills and knowledge in a specific subject such as Psychology, Sport, Engineering, Business, Art & Design and more.

Higher Education

Higher education in the UK refers to a great range of tertiary qualifications recognised across the world. This includes three-undergraduate programs, one-year postgraduate programs or research master’s programs that last for two to three years.

Find the Best Course to Study Using Our Comprehensive Search

Curriculum and Degrees Offered in the UK

In the UK, there is a unified higher education in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. However, elementary and secondary education along with upper-secondary and vocational education systems are somewhat different in Scotland than in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

The degree structure or higher education in the UK is categorised into the following:

  • Bachelor’s degree: A bachelor’s degree in the UK is also known as a first-degree course, awarded with honours, which typically takes three years to complete in Wales, England and Northern Ireland and four years in Scotland. Courses that comprise practical work outside the institution may usually take four years. Some specialist courses and vocational or professional degree courses may take longer to complete. These courses may be in the fields of dentistry, medicine and architecture that may take six to seven years to complete. Undergraduate study in the UK results in degrees such as Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Education or Bachelor of Law.

  • Master’s degree: A taught Master’s degree in the UK takes one year and a research Master’s degree and Master of Philosophy (MPhil) takes two years. A doctoral degree (PhD), on the other hand, usually takes at least three years to complete.

Higher education throughout the UK is offered at various universities, colleges, schools and institutes. They may offer both academic and professional programs irrespective of their title. All these HEIs in the UK have the authority to frame their own curricula, program requirements and grant recognised degrees.

Also Read:

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Study in the UK: Timeline for September 2023 Intake

Study in the UK: Timeline for May Intake 2023 for International Students

Guide to UCAS Application Process

Grading System in the UK

The UK has a peculiar grading system in higher education that aims at giving a more accurate picture of a student’s academic performance:

Letter Grade

Percentage

Grade Definition

Honours Degree

Foundation Degree

A

70-100%

Excellent to Outstanding

First

Distinction

B

60-69%

Good to Very Good

Upper Second 2:1

Merit

C

50-59%

Satisfying

Lower Second 2:2

Pass

D

40% – 49%

Sufficient

Third 3

Pass

E

30-39%

Unsatisfactory

Fail

Fail

F

0-29%

Unsatisfactory

Fail

Fail

Types Of Universities/Higher Education Institutions in the UK

Mentioned below are the different types of higher education institutions in the UK:

In the UK, universities along with other directly-funded higher education institutions are independent and autonomous organisations with their own legal powers, both academic and managerial. They may vary in history, size, mission, reputation and so on.

Historically, higher education institutions in the UK were primarily divided into universities, which offered traditional academic courses and polytechnics which focused more on vocational and professional higher education. However, these distinctions can be found in universities established before and after the 1992 Act. Pre-1992 Act universities, which were established by Royal Charter, are more research-based and traditional in terms of teaching academic courses, whereas post-1992 Act universities offer a wide range of vocational courses.

Some Pre-1992 universities are established by specific Acts of Parliament. Nevertheless, the universities of Oxford and Cambridge were established neither by an Act of Parliament nor a Royal Charter.

Universities and University Colleges: Not all HEIs in the UK are allowed to use the title ‘university’ or ‘university college’. As of today, institutions registered with the Office for Students (OfS) have the right to use ‘university college’. According to the UK, universities and university colleges in the country have degree awarding powers and can grant foundation degrees, bachelor’s degrees, taught awards and research awards.

Other Publicly-Funded Higher Education Providers: Apart from universities and university colleges, the UK also has a lot of colleges and other institutions such as further education colleges that do not have degree awarding powers but offer complete courses leading to recognised UK degrees.

Courses provided here are validated by degree awarding institutions under a format recognition arrangement.

Alternative Providers: Higher education in the UK is also offered by an increasing number of government-independent private institutions known as ‘alternative providers’. These include both for-profit and not-for-profit organisations, which are neither a further education college and nor have any direct source of direct funding.

Top Universities in UK with Rankings

Candidates interested in studying in the UK will have a sea of options to choose from when it comes to universities and colleges. Listed in the table below are some of the top universities in UK with the latest rankings.

University Name

QS World University Rankings

THE World University Ranking

University of Cambridge

2

=3

University of Oxford

4

1

Imperial College London

=6

10

UCL

8

22

The University of Edinburgh

15

29

The University of Manchester

28

=54

King’s College London

37

35

The London School of Economics and Political Science

56

37

University of Bristol

=61

76

The University of Warwick

64

=104

The rankings listed above are conducted by two of the most reputed university ranking and study abroad organisations in the world, i.e. Quacquarelli Symmonds and Times Higher Education. Both institutions release annual university ranking lists highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of thousands of universities across the world.

University Admissions in UK

University admissions or higher education admissions in the UK are defined for both undergraduate and graduate studies across all universities. Commonly, for undergraduate courses, students apply for various courses via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service or commonly referred to as the (UCAS). Meanwhile, for graduate studies, students will commonly be required to apply to individual universities and courses, since the requirements are unique and individualised for each course.

Application Process and Requirements in UK

While the admission processes and requirements in the UK will remain unique and specific to each university and college offering the course, there are certain requirements and guidelines that are common across the board. Some of these have been highlighted below:

  • For undergraduate courses, candidates should have cleared their Class 12 board exams from one of the recognised education boards in India, i.e. CBSE, ICSE, or any other state boards.

    • Applicants must have secured a minimum of 50% in their board exams. It should be noted that each university will specify the minimum academic requirements.

  • For graduate courses, students must have a valid and recognised bachelors or equivalent degree from one of the recognised higher education institutions in India.

    • Applicants should have secured a minimum of 55-60% in their degree examinations. The minimum academic requirements will be defined by the university offering the desired course.

    • Candidates may be asked to submit entrance test scores such as GMAT or GRE scores.

  • In addition to the entrance test scores, all Non-EU international students are required to submit English proficiency test scores from one of the recognised tests.

    • The accepted English tests include IELTS UKVI, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and much more.

  • There may be other requirements that will be unique and individualised for each university and course.

As stated above, the admission process and requirements will be individual and specific to each university. However, the general admission process followed across the UK usually includes the submission of the documents followed by a personal interview. Some may even include a written test as well.

Intakes in UK

Universities across UK offer admission to students through 3 intakes or admission sessions. While there are 3 intakes, the two primary intakes are commonly called the Autumn and the Spring intakes. However, some universities also offer certificate, diploma and bridge courses for international students in the months of May, June and July.

The table below highlights a small overview of the intakes in UK and different admission cycles for international students.

Intake

Facts

Autumn Intake

  • The primary intake in the country, also called the Autumn or September intake.

  • Admissions to all courses at all universities will be open.

  • Deadlines are usually scheduled for June or July every year.

    • Deadlines for postgraduate courses will be specific to each university and course.

  • Being a major intake, the competition for seats is high.

Spring Intake

  • The secondary intake in the country, also called the January/February Intake.

  • Comparatively fewer universities accept international student applications for a limited number of courses.

  • Deadlines are usually scheduled for the months of September to November.

  • As a secondary intake, the competition may be slightly high, but comparatively lower than the Autumn Intake.

Summer Intake

  • As the third intake of the country, it is also called the May intake.

  • Universities often offer certificate, diploma or bridge courses for international students.

  • The competition for such courses is comparatively the lowest, however, the demand for the courses remains high still.

Higher Education Organisations in the UK

There are a number of higher education organisations in the UK that can be broadly categorised into the following:

Accreditation Agencies Rectors’ Conferences or Councils
Qualification Authorities Ministry of Higher Education
University Associations Other local, regional, national or international organisations

Here are some of the major organisations in the UK established to regulate and oversee higher education in the UK:

Universities UK Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education
Department of Education GuildHE
Higher Education Funding Council for England Advance HE
Higher Education Statistics Agency Higher Education Funding Council for Wales
UCAS British Council
British Accreditation Council Russell Group
Department of Business, Innovation and Skills Scottish Funding Council

Here’s Why the UK Could Be The Perfect Study Abroad Destination For You!

Accreditation in the UK

Universities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

The UK does not give governmental authority to accrediting agencies and hence they are more focused on private institutions and professional study programmes. Higher education institutions in the country are recognised by the British government through legislation such as a Royal Charter or an Act of Parliament. These are the institutions, also known as ”recognised bodies”, that can award degrees to students.

Institutions that are called “listed bodies” are those that have not been recognised by legislation but can still offer a program leading to a degree awarded by a “recognised body”.

Other institutions can award their unique degrees and deliver diplomas also known as “recognised awards”. These institutions are under the authority of the Department for Business Innovation and Skills.

Universities in Scotland

Scottish HEIs are accredited by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills and the Quality Assurance Agency. In Scotland, institutions should be deemed “recognised bodies” by the UK government in order to be able to award degrees.

UK On-Campus Student Life, Athletics & Extra-Curricular Activities

Campus life in the UK means stepping into a whole new world of new opportunities, green spaces, getting involved in different activities, making new friends among several other things. Campuses in the UK are safe with a low level of crime and violence on the streets.

Drinking tea and joining campus societies or clubs are part of the UK university culture. The country is a centre of world music and university campuses are considered the best places for popular artists and bands.

Every UK university has a Students’ Union that focuses on providing each student with the best university experience possible. They organise various fun events throughout the year such as comedy nights, fundraising, gigs and many more. From academic to political, religious and musical societies, every university in the UK offers a huge range of groups to choose from and pursue an existing or new passion.

Almost every sport ranging from rugby to American football is made available for students to play and participate in. The UK university sports culture even lures in students who are not keen sports players because of university rivalry. Most matches in the country are played on Wednesdays, considered equal to sports.

Campus universities provide everything any student possibly needs including shops, a gym, medical facilities, cafes and even a bar. This creates a close-knit student environment, making it extremely fun and memorable.

Also Read:

Health Insurance for Indian Students Studying in the UK

Graduate Route Visa - A Guide to Post Study Work Opportunities in UK

Stay Back Period and Post Study Work Permit in the UK

UK Minimum Wage for International Students

Job Opportunities in UK for International Students

Understanding the need to financially support themselves while studying, the UK government permits international students to take up jobs both during their studies and after. As per regulations, those wishing to work while completing their studies are permitted 20 hours of work per week, while, those wishing to work after their studies, can do so by applying for the Graduate Route.

As stated above, international students can work while completing their studies in the UK. In fact, students will be able to take up part-time work while completing their studies or take up full-time work during their breaks or vacation periods. The type of course and degree students choose to pursue will determine the number of hours they can work during their term.

Meanwhile, introduced in 2021, students about to graduate from the undergraduate or graduate courses will be able to apply for the graduate route. This will allow students to stay back in the country for a minimum of two years to work in the relevant field. Here's what you need to know about the job opportunities in UK for international students.

Best Places to Study in the UK

London continues to claim the top spot in the list of Best Student Cities not only in the UK but across the world, according to QS Best Student Cities 2022. Given below are the top 10 places to study in the UK:

QS Best Student Cities 2022 Rank

City

Overall Score

1

London

100

12

Edinburgh

90.3

28

Glasgow

81.5

30

Manchester

81.1

42

Coventry

76.3

43

Newcastle Upon Tyne

75.9

=46

Birmingham

74.2

52

Bristol

71

=53

Nottingham

70.8

59

Sheffield

66.5

Study Cost in the UK

Following is a table giving an idea of how much it will cost you to study in the UK:

Tuition Fees

Accommodation Costs

Living Expenses

Visa Fee

UG Courses: £10,000 and £38,000 per annum - For lecture-based courses

PG Courses: £11,000 - £32,000 per annum

£200 - £600 per month

£1,000 - £2,000 per month

£348

Note: Figures mentioned here are indicative.

Cost of Living in UK

When financially planning the cost of studying in the UK, it is common practice to include the cost of living which encompasses a number of daily, monthly and yearly expenses as well. Some of these costs of living in the UK for international students include:

Item

Costs (/month)

Rented Accommodation

University Accommodation - GBP 200 - 400

Private Residence - GBP 400 - 600

Groceries and Food

GBP 100 - 300

Utilities

GBP 100-160

Transportation

GBP 30-50

Miscellaneous

GBP 100 - 400

The costs of living in the UK will vary from city to city and even depend on the location within the city as well. Cities like London are some of the more expensive cities to live in, however, those costs can significantly drop just by changing the location.

UK Scholarships for International Students

With the rising competition to become a top destination for international students, every country and university across the globe has begun offering scholarships, partnerships and fellowships, among other amenities to attract students. Similarly, the UK also offers a range of scholarships for international students, including some that have been earmarked for Indian students.

From government scholarships to private, international students can choose from some of the following scholarships in the UK.

Chevening Scholarships

The Chevening Scholarships, offered since 1983, is funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office and different partner organisations. The award is often conferred to any national pursuing a one-year master's degree. Among the criteria required for the scholarship is to be a foreign national and that the students must return to their home countries for a minimum of two years after the completion of the scholarship period.

Commonwealth Scholarships

Offered to students demonstrating talent and a capability to make a positive impact at the international level, the commonwealth scholarships are meant to help students financially unable to study in the UK otherwise. There are a range of different Commonwealth Scholarships, all targeted towards aspiring graduate students.

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

The University of Cambridge offers the Gates Cambridge Scholarships for full-time graduate courses, including PhD degrees at the university. To be eligible, applicants must be nationals of any country except the UK and should be enrolling in a one-year full-time graduate course.

Rhodes Scholarships

Offered by the University of Oxford, the Rhodes Scholarship is aimed at exceptionally young individuals applying for graduate programmes at the university. The university has reserved a total of 5 Rhodes scholarships for Indian nationals who are found eligible. To receive the award, candidates must be a citizen of India, have completed 4 years of formal studies, be above the age of 18 but younger than 24 and have completed an undergraduate degree with first-class distinction or equivalent.

UK Student Visa Process

For those planning to study in the UK, one of the more crucial steps students need to take is applying for student visas in the UK. Primarily, there are two types of student visas that international students wishing to study in the UK can apply to. Listed below are the common student visas or routes, international students can apply to study in UK.

  • Student Route: The primary option for students looking to pursue full-time degree programmes at UK universities, international students can apply for a UK visa if they have been accepted by a recognised university in the UK. Candidates must submit a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies or CAS letter along with the visa application to be considered eligible for the same.

  • Short-Term Student Route: As the name suggests, students will be able to apply for a study visa in the UK through the Short-term Student Route, if they are planning to pursue an English course spanning 6-11 months.

UK Student Visa Requirements

Like every other student visa, those planning to apply for a UK visa must meet the minimum requirements. Listed here are some of the UK student visa requirements.

  • Applicants need to have applied to a university, completed the admission process and be selected for a course.

  • Once selected, the university must offer a Certification of Acceptance of Studies (CAS Letter).

  • Candidates must then submit the CAS Letter along with the visa application. Applicants can apply as early as 6 months before the commencement of the course.

  • They must carry a current and valid passport and pay an application fee as well.

  • Candidates will also be required to pay a health fee, called the Immigration Health Surcharge. With this, international students will have access to the UKs National Health Service at a cost of GBP 470 per year.

Therefore, international students, specifically non-EU international students must satisfy the minimum language and course requirements to apply for the appropriate visa and complete the process as directed.

Health And Support Services For International Students In The UK

With low crime rates and one of the best healthcare in the world, the UK is known to be a safe and secure study destination for international students. 

Healthcare in the UK

The National Health Service (NHS) in the UKis considered one of the best healthcare systems in the UK. Unlike a lot of countries, the UK does not require students to get private medical insurance when studying in the country. 

However, students who need a visa to study in the UK, have to pay £470 per year as an immigration health surcharge to gain access to the NHS. The same can be paid while applying for the visa. This covers free medical treatment including emergency and hospital care along with dental care for a reduced price at an NHS dentist. 

International students, however, may have private health insurance in addition to the health surcharge. This may preferably cover health-related costs such as loss of fees if unable to complete the course, costs incurred returning to home country for treatment and private medical treatment. 

Family members applying for a dependant visa will also have to pay the surcharge in addition to the visa application fee.

Students are also recommended to register with a general practitioner (GP), a doctor who looks at patients with general health problems, after arriving in the UK. In order to register with a local doctor or GP, an international student may register in the institution's own Health Centre, if any, or any doctor that is close to where they live. For the same, one must carry a letter of proof of being a student, passport and any loose immigration documents.

In case a student is granted a visa for less than six months or the student is required to be in the UK for short study periods, they can take out medical insurance as they will be liable for NHS charges for the treatment they receive in the UK except for in a medical emergency which is limited. 

Some treatment in the UK is free for everyone, which includes:

  • diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections

  • accident and emergency services

  • family planning services

  • diagnosis and treatment of certain infectious diseases

  • COVID-19 tests, treatment and vaccination

  • Treatment of conditions caused by torture, domestic violence, female genital mutilation or sexual violence

  • compulsory psychiatric treatment or treatment that has been ordered by a court

  • treatment in prison or immigration detention

For other treatment, overseas students might have to pay.

Health Insurance for International Students in the UK

Even if the UK offers free NHS treatment, international students should consider enrolling in an insurance policy which covers other medical costs. These may include:

  • Costs of returning home if a family member or relative is ill,

  • Costs of relative visiting in the UK if the student falls ill,

  • Returning a body home for burial, in the worst case scenario,

  • Cost of retuning home for treatment,

  • Lost fees if unable to complete the course, etc.

Other Support Services for International Students in the UK

Universities in the UK give prime importance to student welfare, for which they have implemented measures, allowing students to reach out whenever they feel stressed or face any problems. On campus, they may speak to their tutor, student welfare officer or the student’s union in case of general welfare support.

Besides these, the top support organisations for international students studying in the UK include the Great British Magazine, UKCISA, Student Minds, British Council, The Student Union (mostly affiliated to the National Union of Students (NUS), the university’s international office.

Applying to Study in the UK? Have Your Applications Reviewed Now!

FAQs on Study in UK in 2024

Can I work/study anywhere in the world after graduating from a UK university?

A UK university degree is one of the highly recognised and reputable qualifications around the world. The post-study work and higher study opportunities for students with a degree from a UK university are immense due to its impeccable standard of education.

How is student life in the UK?

The UK has been one of the top study-abroad destinations in the world for specific reasons, which include the overall student experience. While the UK has been recognised for the quality of education provided, the UK government and the universities have taken several measures to ensure that students feel welcomed and are supported throughout their studies.

What is the healthcare system in the UK like?

The UK healthcare system is one of the best healthcare systems in the world, with most of the healthcare services being almost free for almost, even for international students. Additionally, international students are not required to compulsorily pay for health insurance, however, students can still opt for private insurance.

Why should I study in the UK?

If you are an aspiring student looking to study abroad, the UK may just be the right option for you, since the UK is home to some of the best universities in the world, with a relatively affordable living situation. Additionally, with access to cost-effective world-class education on offer that leads to great work opportunities upon graduation, the UK may just be the option you are looking for.

Where is the best place to study in the UK?

With its heart in the largest city, the UK certainly boasts offering the best to international students in London. However, it would be appropriate to say that the country offers some of the best courses and universities of the world in several other locations. Among some of the ideal study destinations in the UK, apart from London, are Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Coventry, Birmingham, etc.

What is the weather like in the UK?

The UK is home to some of the most beautiful weather conditions in the world, with temperatures varying between 0 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees celsius at the extremes. The temperatures also fluctuate as you go more inland, with Scotland being among the coldest areas in the UK and West of England and Wales being home to warm summers and mild winters.

What are the top areas of study in the UK?

Being one of the top study abroad destinations in the world, the UK offers some of the most popular areas of study. According to global rankings such as the QS World University Rankings and THE Global Rankings, include Business Studies, Accounting and Finance, Undergraduate Law, Economics, Art & Design, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Politics, Electrical Engineering and Biological Sciences.

How do I find and apply for a course in the UK?

While commonly students apply to both graduate and undergraduate courses, if you are interested in pursuing higher studies in the UK, we recommend registering yourselves with us and connecting with our dedicated study abroad experts, who will evaluate your profile, find a suitable course for you, and help from start to finish in enrolling in your dream university abroad.

Is a study gap acceptable in the UK?

UK universities accept international student applications even if there is a gap year between their programme of studies. While the conditions will vary between universities, students with a gap year must clearly mention a valid reason behind the gap year, which include, studying for an entrance exam, gaining relevant work experience, sudden health or family emergency, etc.

Can I study in the UK without IELTS?

Yes, an international student can pursue higher studies in the UK without having to attempt the IELTS exam. Several universities around the country offer admissions without the applicants needing to provide an IELTS score. However, certain terms and conditions like securing 60-70% or above, completing your previous academic degree/programme in the English Language, etc. (conditions will vary between universities) must be satisfied. Additionally, UK student visa requirements may still warrant proof of English proficiency.

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